Politics & Government

Meet Chesterfield Township Clerk Candidate Michele Ficht

Learn about the people vying for public office in Chesterfield Township in this series of candidate profiles before the Aug. 7 primary election.

New Baltimore-Chesterfield Patch is profiling candidates for Chesterfield Township's elected positions. Learn about them here in a series of profiles every day this week.

Name: Michele D. Ficht

Age: 53

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Political party: Democrat

Years lived in Chesterfield: 16

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Occupation: Legal Secretary and Trustee on the Chesterfield Township Board

Position you're seeking: Clerk

How many terms have you served? One

What are your biggest accomplishments while serving on the board?
 
My biggest accomplishments have been obtaining a renegotiated cell tower lease, bringing in an additional $30,000 to the township at no cost to the residents, ended stipends for elected officials, ended mileage in Macomb County for elected officials. 

If reelected or elected for the first time, what specifically would you like to see done during your term?

I would like to see some of our ordinances updated and a new ordinance drafted regarding the new fireworks law.

What do you think the community's biggest challenges are and how can the community overcome them?

Our biggest challenges at this time are the fire and police budgets. The economy has taken $2.3 million from the police department revenues and $1.2 million from the Fire Department revenues. The fire millage expires in 2013.  The residents will have to . We have to work together, board members, police and fire departments, and residents to find solutions necessary to retain our police and fire departments.

How would you propose making the police and fire funds financially stable?

Through budget cuts and possible millages if the residents support them. The revenue loss is a factor that we cannot control.  We also  have to continue to be vigilant in watching our spending.  It will take more than 18 years to recoup the revenue losses.  Our fire and police departments are at minimum staffing levels already.

How would you make changes, if any, to community services?

I would make improvements to the parks in the community.

Describe yourself:  

I am a hardworking dedicated individual that listens and communicates well, pays attention to detail and follows through on any commitment or project I am involved in.  I ask the tough questions and am a good problem solver.  I am a positive person who is a team player, someone who works well with others, a leader not a follower who gives 100% to any position I hold or any job I perform. I work for the residents.

What are your hobbies/causes you're passionate about?

I love to read and my favorite sports are hockey and football.

I am passionate about our community and strive to make it the best place to live.

Check back with Patch for more candidate profiles throughout the week.


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